Written, directed and executive produced by Duvernay, the contemporary series is adapted from the debut novel by Natalie Baszile. It centers on Nova Bordelon (Rutina Wesley), a formidable journalist and activist based in New Orleans. Her life, and that of her brother and their extended family, undergoes significant change when her sister, Charley, returns to Louisiana from Los Angeles to help run the family sugarcane farm. Oprah Winfrey will have a recurring role on the show.

Barnette recently directed the feature Woman Thou Art Loosed On The 7th Day, starring Pam Grier, Blair Underwood, Nicole Jarbari and Sharon Leal. Her other recent feature directing credits include Heaven Ain’t Hard To Find and All You’ve Got. On the TV side, Barnette most recently directed episodes of BET’s Being Mary Jane last season. She is repped by Kass Management.